Dirty Nails by Regina Bartley Page B

Hopefully it would brighten his day, and make him realize how much I care for him.
                  Surprising him would be the hard part. I’d have to get Sketch on board, and talk to the maid.
                  I tucked my journal under the mattress for safekeeping and made my bed. If Max had seen it out, I’m not sure what he’d think. It was better to just let it go unseen.
                  I was dressed and ready for breakfast when the door to my bedroom swung open. I had just pulled my hair back out of my eyes, when I looked up and saw his face.
                  “Max,” I ran into his arms and nearly tackled him to the ground. I breathed in the smell of him and brushed my lips against the curve of his neck. I held back the tears.
                  “Someone missed me.” He hugged me back.
                  “So much,” I said.
                  “I missed you too my love, and I hear you’ve been good while I was away.” I kissed his lips, but remained tucked inside in his arms. “I think we’ll go to dinner tonight. I brought you something that you could wear.” He handed me a small red box. He was always bringing me presents home from his trips. It was a nice touch, but not necessary.
                  I lifted the top of the box and inside was a bracelet with diamonds and black stones. It was stunning, and I’m sure it wasn’t cheap. “Max,” I exhaled. “This is so beautiful. Thank you so much.”
                  “Not as beautiful as you.” He kissed my cheek. “I have some papers for you to type up and I need you to call Samuel and see if they will still be coming for dinner on Tuesday night. I need to confirm it, so that I can work my schedule around it.” Samuel was Max’s only brother. He and his wife visited sometimes, but Max didn’t like having them around much. They didn’t get along that well and I figured that it was his wife that made him come. If she didn’t make him, then he’d probably never visit.
    “I’ll do that now. I’m glad you’re home”
                  “Me too babe,” he swatted my ass as he turned to leave.
                  I followed him out of my room and into his office. The smell of Max lingered throughout the room, and it was always comforting. He handed me the hand written papers that he wanted me to type up.
    I did that often.
    Some days there would be so much that I’d be behind the computer working for hours. It wasn’t too bad this time, just a few pages.
    I wanted to wait and call Samuel when Max wasn’t in the room. We were expecting him Tuesday so that would be perfect. I could just plan to have the party that day, and he would only have to make one trip. It wouldn’t be his actual birthday, but close enough.
                  I sat behind the desk typing on the laptop while Max was talking on his cell and pacing the floor. Sketch lightly knocked and Max waved him into the room. I only peeked over the top of the screen for a moment.
    I wasn’t going to worry about what he was wearing or how hot he looked.
    I wasn’t.
                  I swear.
                  Just one more peek at him…
                  Dammit.
                  He was so freaking hot. Maybe I was no judge of hotness, but I kid you not, he was beautiful. The crooked smile, the Thor like body, the scar in his left brow, and let’s not forget to mention those bedroom eyes. Ugh. I shifted in my seat and stared unwillingly at the computer screen.
                  He and Max talked about a few odd and end things before they eventually left the room. There was no talking serious business in front of the lady. That would be me. At least with them gone, I could sneak in a phone call to Samuel, which I did. I talked to his wife Brandy and she agreed to keep it a secret and promised that they’d be